Story perspectives

Facial Recognition Misused: Over 170 Citizens Detained

11/3/2025

50 7

Summary

Story summary

Immigration agents use facial recognition to determine status and detain U.S. citizens even when they present identification, if flagged as in the country illegally.
The Mobile Fortify app compares scans against a database of more than 200 million photos.
A report by 404 Media describes the practice, and critics including Rep. Bennie Thompson and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem say investigations show over 170 U.S. citizens detained since January 2025.

1 of 1

Story summary

Immigration agents use facial recognition to determine status and detain U.S. citizens even when they present identification, if flagged as in the country illegally.
The Mobile Fortify app compares scans against a database of more than 200 million photos.
A report by 404 Media describes the practice, and critics including Rep. Bennie Thompson and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem say investigations show over 170 U.S. citizens detained since January 2025.